Paul F. Nelson

After a life of service to his community, his country, his friends, and his family, Paul Nelson, age 92, of Alexandria passed away on October 1, 2025, living a life well lived and to the fullest.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, October 24, 2025, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria. Full military honors accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard and the Veterans Memorial Honor Guard. Interment will take place at Kinkead Cemetery, Alexandria. The celebration of Paul’s life will continue at The Elks Lodge.

Visitation is from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, October 23rd, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria and will continue one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Paul was born on November 18, 1932, to Walter and Freda (Paulsen) Nelson in Clearbrook, MN. Paul grew up in Itasca State Park where his father was the Custodial Foreman of the University of Minnesota Forestry School. He developed a great love for the outdoors growing up in this environment. Paul graduated from Park Rapids High School in 1950. He went on to study electronics at Northwestern Electronics Institute (NEI) prior to its merger with Dunwoody College of Technology. Soon after he enlisted in the Air Force serving from 1954-58. He was stationed in England serving as an Aircraft Metalsmith. He married Mary (DeBettignies) Nelson in 1958 and raised their three children (Dan, Brian, & Nancy) together in Alexandria.

He worked at Carlson Music Center for many years. He opened Paul's Sound Service repairing televisions, electronics, and providing the background music for downtown businesses. He ultimately became the electronics/computer expert for the Alexandria School District and repaired computers and ran the first internet wires in all the schools.

Paul proudly served as the Mayor of Alexandria for two terms (8 years) after serving on the City Council for three terms (12 years). He was very active in a variety of other civic positions including Chairman of the ALASD board for 38 years retiring at age 88. He was also active in The Elks Lodge (Life Member) and the Lions Club where he held several leadership positions, and many other community organizations.

Paul was extremely proud of his military service and was active in the American Legion, serving as Commander, VFW, and was thrilled to be able to visit Washington DC on a military Honor Flight. He was also Scoutmaster for his sons’ Scout troop.

Paul was gifted with the ability to fix just about anything which is why his grandsons called him "Grandpa Fixit." He made things work again! He enjoyed woodworking, refinishing furniture, gardening, and home repair projects.

Paul was an active politician throughout his adult life and enjoyed conversing about politics. He enjoyed visiting with people and always had a cold beer and a story for anyone who stopped by.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Frieda Nelson; brother Bob Nelson; former wife Mary Nelson; and sister-in-law Eunice Nelson.

Paul is survived by his brother Curt Nelson; children, Dan (Sue Arnold), Brian (Sue), and Nancy; grandsons, Mack (Kim), Jake (Abigail Smits), Gabe, and Spencer Hanson; great-grandson Jordan; and Robyn Widley is always regarded as a significant part of Paul’s family.

Pallbearers are Mack Nelson, Jake Nelson, Gabe Nelson, Vern Nelson, Mark Nelson, and Don Woodall.

A special thank you to his nurse Jess Moen and friend Becca Hillbrand who had a huge impact on Paul’s later years while Lexi Maloney was invaluable the last few months for Paul. A huge shout out as well to all our family and friends for being such a big part of Paul's full life.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to: Habitat for Humanity, Veterans Memorial, or The Elks Lodge.